My Dear Egbon Sunday Dare,
As you gracefully attain the remarkable milestone of sixty years, I join your family, friends, associates, admirers, and countless beneficiaries of your generosity and service in celebrating a life defined by purpose, patriotism, excellence, and unwavering commitment to nation-building.
Sixty years is no ordinary accomplishment. It is a moment for reflection, gratitude, and recognition of a journey marked by impact. In your case, it is a celebration of a man who has consistently distinguished himself in every sphere he has occupied; whether as a journalist, public servant, administrator, strategist, communicator, mentor, or patriot.
From your formative years as a courageous and principled journalist, you established a reputation for professionalism, intellectual rigour, and an unwavering commitment to truth. You brought honour to the noble profession of journalism through fearless reporting, thoughtful analysis, and a deep concern for the welfare of society. Your pen was never merely an instrument of commentary; it was a tool for advocacy, enlightenment, and positive change.
Your transition into public service only amplified those qualities. As Minister of Youth and Sports Development and in the several national assignments entrusted to you, you demonstrated that leadership is not about occupying office but about creating value. You championed initiatives that inspired young Nigerians, promoted excellence in sports administration, and contributed meaningfully to the advancement of our national aspirations.
Yet beyond the public accomplishments and official recognitions lies the essence of the man I have come to know and admire, a man of uncommon energy, extraordinary dedication, and relentless commitment to any cause he believes in.
One of the most remarkable qualities about you is your absolute devotion to duty. When entrusted with responsibility, you commit yourself wholly to its success. You pursue excellence not as an aspiration but as a standard. This trait has been particularly evident in your steadfast commitment to the vision and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Your loyalty to the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda and your determination to support every initiative capable of advancing the success of this administration are both admirable and inspiring. You approach every assignment with a profound sense of purpose, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that policies, programmes, and strategic engagements achieve their intended outcomes. In an era where commitment is often professed but seldom demonstrated, you stand out as a man whose actions consistently validate his convictions.
I had the privilege of witnessing this exceptional dedication firsthand during the organisation of the recently concluded South-West Summit in Akure. Serving alongside you on the planning committee offered me a unique opportunity to observe, at close quarters, the depth of your commitment and the intensity of your work ethic.
You were relentless.
At virtually every hour of the day, and sometimes late into the night, you reached out repeatedly, not out of routine obligation but out of genuine passion for the success of the summit. You sought ideas, requested suggestions, interrogated strategies, refined plans, and pursued every conceivable avenue that could improve the quality and impact of the event. Your singular focus was excellence.
Indeed, there were moments when I found myself wondering what more you would have done had the summit been your own birthday celebration or wedding ceremony. Such was the level of commitment you brought to the assignment. No detail was too small for your attention; no challenge was too difficult for your determination; no sacrifice was too much in pursuit of success.
That extraordinary diligence, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering sense of responsibility explain why you have earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across political, professional, and social divides. You possess that rare ability to inspire confidence, mobilise people, and transform vision into reality.
As you celebrate this diamond jubilee, it is fitting to acknowledge not only your accomplishments but also the values that have made those accomplishments possible: integrity, resilience, loyalty, discipline, humility, patriotism, and an abiding faith in the possibilities of our great nation.
Nigeria has been enriched by your service. Your colleagues have benefited from your friendship. Younger generations continue to draw inspiration from your example. And those privileged to work with you have witnessed firsthand the uncommon passion you bring to every endeavour.
As you enter this new chapter, I pray that Almighty God grants you continued good health, renewed strength, greater wisdom, enduring peace, and abundant joy. May He preserve you for many more years of impactful service to humanity and our beloved country. May your latter years surpass your former years in fulfilment, influence, and accomplishment.
Happy 60th Birthday, my Egbon Minister!
May history remember you not merely for the offices you held, but for the lives you touched, the institutions you strengthened, the young people you inspired, and the noble causes you championed with uncommon courage and conviction.
Congratulations on sixty remarkable years of purpose, service, and excellence.
Dr Kayode Ajulo, OON, SAN
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State
…for the People.